Saint Homobonus is the patron saint of people who are in business. He lived life as a merchant in Cremona, Italy. His full name was Omobono Tucenghi, Homo bonus is latin for “Good Man.” St. Homobonus was a rich tailor and merchant who had a calling to use his wealth to help the poor.

Known for his honesty in business, he donated a large portion of his wealth to help uplift the poor. He initially acquired his wealth via the inheritance he received from his father.

Known also for his piety, St. Homobonus went to mass and took communion everday. St. Homobonus died in his fifties while attending mass on November 13, 1197. Hence his feast day being the 13th of November.

Two years after his death he was canonized by Pope Innocent III. Pope Innocent III said during his canonization that Homobonus was a “father of the poor“, “consoler of the afflicted“, “assiduous in constant prayer“, “man of peace and peacemaker“, “a man good in name and deed“, “this saint, is still like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in our time.”

It’s inspiring to see people like St. Homobonus who’ve acquired wealth, being canonized and confirmed as one who has earned his place in Heaven. When you look at some of the more successful business people today one would almost always assume that one had to do something drastic or sacrifice something huge for the sake of wealth and success. But St. Homobonus’ canonization just proves that through God all things are possible.

In order to succeed in business it doesn’t have to mean that your competitor has to fail. Likewise one doesnt have to be devious and steal from his fellow man in order to succeed in life. Through the Lord all things are possible.

The Bible says in Proverbs 22:4 ” True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor and long life, ” Saint Homobonus lived that life, his wealth was a blessing from the Lord and a vessel for him to do God’s will.

When one has been Blessed by the Lord, one must also remember to give Thanks and Praise to God. The dark side of an answered prayer is that we end up forgetting Him who has helped us. What God has given, God can also take away.

Prayer to St. Homobonus

Beloved and Charitable St. Homobonus,
Your Honesty and Good Will served
your community and the Lord well.
Help me follow your example and not give in
to Temptations of Greed and Easy Shortcuts that
wound others.
I ask for guidance in my work, so that I may prosper
by choosing virtue over avarice.

Amen

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